UK Moves to Regulate AI: Copyright Protection Through Collective Licensing
Copyright organizations in the United Kingdom are preparing to launch a pioneering collective licensing system to ensure that authors are compensated when their works are used to train artificial intelligence systems.
Thanks to this new model, writers who are unable to negotiate individually with technology companies will also be able to earn royalties from the use of their work by AI developers.
The new licensing approach offers a strong alternative to the UK government's controversial "opt-out" proposal, which would have allowed companies to use copyrighted materials without prior permission unless rights holders explicitly objected. Authors' organizations argue that such a system is neither fair nor transparent. With the new licensing model, creators’ rights will be protected, while AI companies will gain legal access to high-quality content.
This development is not only significant for the UK but also resonates globally amid ongoing debates around copyright and AI. In the United States, lawsuits against tech giants like Meta and OpenAI have highlighted the legal gaps in this area. The UK’s new system could serve as a model for other countries looking to prevent similar disputes. Payment amounts will be determined through negotiations with companies seeking licensing agreements.
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